Following the controversy and media attention, the family were accused of child abuse and maltreatment.
Desmond’s mother took to Instagram to respond to the accusation by showing a series of letters she received from the NYC Administration for Child Services (ACS) and Child Protective Services (CPS).
“This is what it has come to. We have been accused of child abuse, exploitation and maltreatment to the point that we have been backed into a corner trying to defend ourselves.
“Recently a YouTube video was made stating that we should allow ACS (CPS) to investigate if we have nothing to hide. Which we have and we do not have anything to hide. We have been under a microscope since early December. I never thought I would have to breach my own privacy and confidentiality to provide proof that has been demanded of us out of malice.”
The post continues, describing the numerous visits by CPS and ACS that their family was subjected to.
“ACS has investigated us thoroughly. Because of the number of reports they received, our case went all the way to the Governor’s office. We had announced visits and unannounced visits to our home nearly daily and at all hours and Desmond’s school. Our family was probed more intensely than any other case before. All allegations were ‘unfounded’.
“Currently, we send screenshots of anyone encouraging others or admitting to contacting ACS to ACS to keep in our file. ACS is not a weapon. So many ACS resources could have gone to families that needed help. On the plus side, ACS has been offering us many support services.
“In addition, we were investigated by the NYPD, the Child Advocacy Center, the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Department of Labor, and the District Attorney’s office. No abuse or maltreatment was found, no regulations for child performers were broken, no illegal activity has occurred.”
The post concludes detailing the online harassment the family has endured since Desmond rose to fame on social media.
“We endured countless posts and videos slandering our family by people who have never contacted us for the truth or watched Desmond’s videos where he has spoken for himself. We put up with lies and rumors. We daily clear social media of hateful comments and messages. Someone has been messaging Desmond’s followers to convince them of alleged abuse. We deal with hate crimes and death threats perpetuated by ‘concerned citizens’ and have been stalked. The NYPD is assisting us. Desmond has extra security measures in place at his school. All of this because we allow Desmond to be himself and do what he loves. We are a loving and supporting family. Anyone who knows us or met us can attest to that.”
The day after the family shared the post, Desmond himself posted a video where he defended his family.
“They are not forcing me,” he says, “This is what I wanted to do, and this is what I always want to do for the rest of my life.
“Just making the world a fabulous place and a fierce place.”
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